Knights vs Storm NRL picks, odds & predictions | Round 3, 2024

Knights v Storm R3 best bets

Newcastle Knights v Melbourne Storm NRL match preview

Round three of the NRL Premiership wraps up in Newcastle this Sunday with the Knights hosting the Melbourne Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium. These sides have had polar-opposite starts to the season, with the Knights losing twice and the Storm winning.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has been forced to make two changes on Sunday, with Jahrome Hughes (suspended) being replaced by Tyran Wishart in the halves. Meanwhile, Christian Welch (concussion) has been replaced, with both Kane Bradley and Tepai Moeroa added to the interchange bench.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has also been forced to make a change, with Greg Marzhew (hand) being replaced by the returning Enari Tuala. In a surprise move, halfback Jackson Hastings has been replaced by former Panther Jack Cogger, while Jayden Brailey will return from injury via the interchange bench.

Knights v Storm NRL betting tips

The last time these two sides met was a thriller in Newcastle where the Knights fought back from 12-0 down in the first eight minutes to win by eight points. With Storm stalwarts Hughes and Welch set to spend time on the sideline with Cameron Munster, there has been plenty of betting support for the home side. The Knights love playing in front of their home fans on Sundays and look the goods to salute at -128.21 with Bovada.

Knights centre Bradman Best showed brilliant form late last season, crossing for at least one try in seven of his last nine home appearances. He will be taking on the smaller, weaker Reimis Smith, who will struggle in defence against Best’s raw strength. Look for the New South Wales representative to cross the try line again as a +185 chance with online bookmakers.

Nick Meaney has enjoyed success against his former club since joining the Storm in 2022. His strong running and smart ball-playing has allowed him to score a try in each of his last three matches against the Knights. Opposition centre Dane Gagai has been known to struggle in defence on occasion, so it is worth looking at the +200 on offer for Meaney to score a try at any time.

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